2018 Focus + 3 Easy Recipe Ideas for Cooking with Mussels

First of all, Happy New Year!! The idea of a new year excites me because it’s a clean slate, and a great time to re-evaluate goals and what’s meaningful. I’m not one to set resolutions, but I am one to decide a focus. My focus for 2016 was Balance, and in 2017, I was focused on saying YES more.

This year, my one word and focus is “Invest.” Primarily, I want to invest in myself and this blog and in you guys. I want to invest in further trainings and certifications, so I can never stop learning. I’ve also considered investing in a business coach. Being part of two mastermind groups has been an amazing learning experience to learn from other colleagues and business-minded women. I’d love to join a local entrepreneur group (even non-nutrition related) to see how I can overlap with different sectors and lines of work.

I know this year will be different than any other as we welcome a newborn in late March/early April, which is all the more reason to kick off the year with motivation and a plan.

Speaking of plans, I’ve started thinking about prepping some meals for the freezer for when baby comes. And today’s post has many ideas for easy freezer-convenient meal ideas. As part of my ongoing partnership with Pier 33, I’m aiming to help show how seafood can be an easy and healthy ingredient for many meals! Like I mentioned in my this sheet pan shrimp recipe, I often forget about shrimp – really, all seafood except salmon and tuna. Yet, shrimp are so easy and tasty and are really versatile in cooking. Today’s focus is on mussels, another healthy seafood option I tend to forget about.

I love mussels, but in the past, they have only been something I’ll order out at a restaurant. I’ve been so intimidated at the thought of making them on my own. They seem so fancy, and while I love them, I save them as a “special order” for when we eat out.

But now, with Pier 33’s Fully Cooked Mussels, you can have them ready in under 10 minutes in your own house. And not only do they provide a hefty dose of protein, but they also offer ample healthy omega 3 fats, Vitamin D and iron, nutrients that many Americans are often low in. They also offer between 670 and 730 mg of Omega 3’s (DHA and EPA – I wrote more about their importance here) per serving, more than the daily recommended amount that many of Americans don’t get. The mussels come in a butter garlic sauce, or in a natural flavor, which you can season however you want. While mussels are great on their own, today I’m sharing some easy ideas for how you can incorporate them into your home cooking!

Do you guys remember that one day I want to throw an epic dinner party? It’s a total bucket list item. Realistically speaking, it’s still probably years in the making because I want to have a fun theme and go all out. When I think of entertaining, I picture this outdoor dinner party that will happen someday.

Until the day I throw my epic dinner party (you are all invited), I take little hints about what I’d include. You guys know I love my easy, healthy and quick meal options and ideas. There will be lots of those involved. I will also probably go all out on some dishes too. Sometimes, when I have the time, cooking sophisticated recipes with flavor and flare are appealing. I don’t know what I’d make, but maybe a fancy roasted duck, or beef wellington, or an intricate risotto dish. I’m thinking I’d throw these quick cooking mussels into the mix because no one would know how quickly they came together.

But, in the meantime, I can practice with some appetizer and dinner ideas. And here are three easy ways you can incorporate these nutritious mollusks in your own routine at home, or even make a fancy entertaining meal.

Grilled cheese and tomato soup with mussels

Why not add a new fun twist to the typical, cozy grilled cheese and tomato soup?! Some extra protein is always a good thing. I enjoyed dipping the mussels in the soup themselves, or you could get really creative, and stuff them in the grilled cheese. Mussels fare really well in tomato based sauces and broths, so this was a delicious combination.

Stuffed spaghetti squash with veggies and mussels

Who doesn’t love a good stuffed spaghetti squash? I know I do! Often times, they lack in protein, though, unless you’re intentionally adding some in the stuffing. Why not add some mussels to give it a bit of a seafood flare? The mussels are already cooked in butter garlic sauce, which is a pleasant and natural flavor addition to the spaghetti squash.

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

You can really stuff sweet potatoes with whatever you want! Short on time? Microwave your sweet potatoes or cook them in bulk the day before. The mussels can be cooked in just 6 minutes, so you can realistically have a balanced dinner meal ready in under 10 minutes.

I had tried shrimp in sweet potatoes before, and mussels work just as well. I chose to stuff these with butter, garlic, mussels, paprika and shredded cheese. Minimal prep, easy clean up and a balance of your protein, fat and carbohydrates.

We’ll definitely keep some of these on hand for when baby comes, because microwaveable and quick dinner options are going to be essential. Healthy doesn’t have to be time consuming!

What’s your one word or focus for this year?

Have you ever made mussels at home before?

About Sarah S

Hi! I'm Sarah and I live in Charlotte, NC. I'm a Registered Dietitian with my Master's in Public Health. I'm a marathoner, and love to talk about nutrition, running and healthy recipes. I hope you enjoy BLT!

Happy New Year Sarah! My word for last year was “tough” and this year I have two: Willpower and focus.

Fully reading articles rather than skimming, finishing things well and with intention, not giving in to the easy thing. Focus can be so hard when things are always coming at me, so I’m tagging Willpower with it to remain focused. Have the willpower to focus 🙂

I love sweet potatoes and I love mussels. So, I loved this blog post a Whole lot!

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Hi, I'm Sarah!

A Registered Dietitian, runner, and healthy recipe creator. I love to talk about running, nutrition and eating ENOUGH. I'm a big fan of listening to your body and work on Intuitive Eating with my clients. Want to learn more? Work with me